Shoulder extensor muscles

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Table 1: Glenohumeral extensor muscles

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Innervation	Action
Latissimus dorsi	T7-T12 SP Thoracolumbar fascia Inferior angle of scapula 9-12 ribs Posterior third of Iliac crest	Floor of the intertubercular groove of the humerus	Thoracodorsal n. C6 - C8	GHJ: IR, adduction, Extension Respiration: "cough muscle"
Posterior deltoid	Scapular spine	Deltoid tuberosity of humerus	Axillary n. C5 - C6	GHJ: Extension, ER, Abduction
Teres major	Inferior angle of Scapula	Crest of lesser tubercle of humerus	Thoracodorsal n. C5 - C6	GHJ: IR, Adduction, Extension
Triceps brachii Long head	Infraglenoid tubercle of Scapula	Olecranon of Ulna	Radial n. C6 - C8	Elbow: Extension GHJ: Extension, Adduction

Note

When considering shoulder extension, there is much more to the shoulder than just glenohumeral joint extension. We must also consider the muscles that cause scapulothoracic anterior tipping.